Events planned for September, ‘National Suicide Prevention Month’

The Hawai‘i Department of Health Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch partnered with the state for National Suicide Prevention Month in September.

Events aim to raise public awareness about suicide and the impact of suicides in Hawaii as well as to connect survivors with postvention services.

Suicide is the leading cause of fatal injuries in Hawai’i for people ages 15 to 44 and is the ninth leading cause of all deaths in the state.

Out of the Darkness Walk is the largest event held during National Suicide Prevention Month in Hawaii. It is organized by volunteers to build awareness of suicide prevention resources, and support at-risk individuals, loved ones of suicide survivors, and the public. More than 1,000 participants, including representatives from all branches of the military and students from local schools, are expected to attend this year’s event on September 15th at Magic Island in Ala Moana Beach Park.